Evonik Invests in Birmingham, Alabama

Evonik Corporation has invested more than $50 million over the last 4 years in its Birmingham, Ala., Health Care facility to boosts its capabilities around biodegradable polymers and parenteral medicine. As part of these expenditures, the Birmingham site is now home to Evonik’s global Competence Center for Medical Devices, which aims to develop new system solutions for medical technology and to expand the competencies of Evonik in the areas of biomaterials and medical polymers.

In addition, the company is installing a new GMP powder/liquid filling line for its parenteral drug delivery business. The new, state-of-the art fill line will allow the business to extend its service offering for the development and manufacture of complex injectable dosage forms by adding a commercial scale line capable of filling a variety of vial sizes at very high speeds under sterile conditions.

Evonik has also begun constructing a new RESOMER® production facility adjacent to its existing plant. When completed, the project will help Evonik meet the growing global demand for bioresorbable polymers. Besides greater production capacity, the project will also result in new production clean rooms and a pilot unit for polymer contract research projects.

RESOMER® polymers are used to formulate extended release parenteral drug delivery systems and to manufacture bioresorbable medical devices such as plates and screws for trauma and orthopedic applications, as well as bioresorbable stents and coatings for next generation cardiovascular treatments. This new facility will enhance Evonik’s current capabilities for sophisticated manufacturing of client’s proprietary biomaterials.

The fill line and RESOMER® plant are expected to be on stream in second half of 2018. The combined improvements to the site will lead to more than 50 new jobs in the state of Alabama.

“Evonik’s investments in the Birmingham site reflect its commitment to the medical device and drug delivery business as well as the city of Birmingham and its history of world-class medical research and technology,” said Kel Boisvert, Birmingham site manager for Evonik.

The additions to the Birmingham site were made possible through tax credits and incentives from the city of Birmingham, Jefferson County and the State of Alabama.

“Evonik and its predecessor companies have been active in Alabama for more than 40 years, and we have thrived thanks to the skilled workforce and business-friendly environment here. We appreciate the city, county and state’s recognition of Evonik’s contributions to the local and statewide economy and look forward to continuing to serve the global healthcare market from our Birmingham site,” said John Rolando, president of Evonik North America.

Evonik employs more than 1,000 people in Alabama between Birmingham Labs and its Mobile production site, which is also its largest in North America. Birmingham Labs serves as the company’s hub for parenteral drug delivery and associated partner drug production and custom manufacturing.

Additional Quotes

Governor Kay Ivey:
“Evonik is making a significant investment to expand its R&D activities and manufacturing operation in Birmingham, which demonstrates the high level of confidence this global company has in its facility in the city. The addition of the global Competence Center will add momentum to Birmingham’s thriving bioscience industry and attract more talented individuals to the state.”

David Carrington, Jefferson County Commissioner:
“Evonik’s continued investment in Jefferson County is a testament to the world-class workforce our community has developed, and continues to develop, in the Birmingham metro area—thanks in large part to the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Southern Research. The County Commission remains fully committed to supporting Evonik’s growth plans in the coming months and years.”

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin:
“Evonik’s expansion provides further opportunities for citizens to be a part of Birmingham’s future in medical research. Evonik was born from a scientist’s idea right here at Birmingham’s Southern Research. Now this global company will be bringing millions of dollars here for research and development for products that will change lives. We couldn’t be prouder to have contributed to Evonik’s growth in Birmingham.”

Company information
Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The focus on more specialty businesses, customer-orientated innovative prowess and a trustful and performance-oriented corporate culture form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. They are the lever for profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company. Evonik benefits specifically from its customer proximity and leading market positions. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world with more than 36,000 employees. In fiscal 2017, the enterprise generated sales of €14.4 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.36 billion.

Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.